Former Astro Joe Valentine Stands With Houston’s LGBT Rights Ordinance

Last week former Astro outfielder Lance Berkman declared the bill would allow "troubled men" to enter women's bathrooms.
From: NewNowNext

 Last week, former Houston Astro Lance Berkman made some ugly comments regarding Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), which protects LGBT people from discrimination.

 Calling it a “bathroom bill,” the former outfielder declared it would allow “troubled men” to enter women’s restrooms.

“I played professional baseball for 15 years, but my family is more important. My wife and I have four daughters. Proposition 1, the bathroom ordinance, would allow troubled men to enter women’s public bathrooms, showers and locker rooms. This would violate their privacy and put them in harm’s way.”

Thankfully not everyone in Major League Baseball thinks that way: Joe Valentine, a former pitcher for the Astros and Cincinnati Reds—an an ambassador with Athlete Ally—shared his support for HERO.

“I’m the father of two wonderful little girls and spent years as a major league pitcher. As a Dad, I would do anything to protect my daughters. As a major league ball player, Lance Berkman does not speak for me, or any of the other fair-minded guys in baseball. Berkman’s comments don’t reflect the facts. Proposition 1 will not allow men in women’s bathrooms. It simply allows everyone to work hard and be treated fairly, no matter who they are—and that includes transgender people.”

Voters will go to the polls in November to vote on Proposition 1, which determines whether HERO remains law or is repealed.